A NOTE ON LANGUAGE

Throughout our report, we use “we,” “our,” and “us” as we describe our methods, results, and experiences, rather than using distant or passive language. We do this because trans and/or gender non-conforming people are the experts on our own experiences and needs. Most of the people who developed the survey, conducted outreach, and contributed to this report are Black trans Atlanta residents. In other words, we did this research within our own local trans communities. Many of us have similar experiences, perspectives, and identities to our respondents. We are proud to raise up our communities’ voices, document our communities’ struggles, and to identify as part of our communities.

We also use words that may not be familiar to some readers. Below, please find definitions of commonly used terms in our report, and explanations for choosing some words over others.

Trans: An inclusive term for people whose gender identity or expression is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. SNaP Co uses the term “trans,” because we consider this more inclusive and expansive than other terms. It is not a shortcut for “transgender,” a term our collaborative does not use. When we refer to trans people we include (among others): trans women and men, cross-dressers, and genderqueer, non-binary identified, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, and/or agender people.

Gender Non-Conforming: Those whose gender expression does not conform to gendered expectations (e.g. masculine women, feminine men). Not all trans people are gender non-conforming.

Genderqueer: Individuals whose gender identity or expression transcends categories of man/boy or woman/girl. May be used as an adjective (“a genderqueer woman”) or as a separate gender identity.

TLGBQ: An acronym for “trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning.” While we put the “T” first, we otherwise agree with Black and Pink’s explanation: “Even though we know that sexuality and gender are much bigger than these letters, we nevertheless use this limited acronym to include people who claim LGBTQ identities as well as many others, including but not limited to: same gender-loving . . . transsexual, transvestite, nelly, asexual, Two-Spirit . . . sissy, dyke. We continue to seek better words for people who identify outside of heteronormative and white supremacist categories . . .”[1]

LGBQ: An acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning.” We use this term to describe researchers’ results when respondents were LGBQ but not explicitly trans or gender non-conforming.